Friday Finds - Ditching Resumes & Dressing Better

Today our team at Vanderbloemen has an annual event we call "Denim Day." It's pretty straightforward - and pretty wacky. We all wear as much denim as we can and usually a few silly photos are taken. And while we've never used this event to screen potential candidates, it's a pretty safe bet that anyone who didn't enjoy this funny, themed day might not be a good culture fit on our staff. It got me thinking about how leaders discern DNA fit in candidates.

Here are some of my favorite leadership articles from this week. What are yours? Tell me in the comments below.

Lose the resumes. Throw a cheese tasting. Hold auditions. These are just a few of the out-of-the-box ways that some companies are using to discern the best fits for their team. Read what Stephanie Vozza has uncovered about these new ideas for candidate screening.

Every church staff I know has its own written or unwritten dress code, and it varies by denomination, city, and/or tribe (certainly not many have "Denim Day," but maybe it will catch on...). As a leader, what does it mean to "look the part" on your team? Great read from Carmine Gallo that applies to both leaders and job seekers.

Before you think, "Oh, another generic or vague post on leadership," and move on, I challenge you to take a closer look at this piece by Jim Haudan. Do your team's actions truly reflect your mission and vision? What does it really mean to be a "creator of creators" and how can you strive to be one?

Firing is never, ever an easy topic, but it's such an important one. It's even more complicated and painful when there's someone who'd been with you since the beginning but can't keep up with the church's growth. William hits the nail on the head as he discusses the steps to take and the very careful considerations to make before that painful conversation.

What are you reading this week? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below.